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Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk appetite
Sleep disorders and dysphagia have already been associated with a variety of health impairments, with a focus on reduced concentration and performance and, in particular, on the negative effects on the brain and cardiovascular system. Scientists at the University of Zurich have now discovered another effect of chronic sleep deprivation. "Those affected behave riskier without being aware of it," reports the University of Zurich.
If people do not get enough sleep over a long period of time or are regularly disturbed while sleeping, it has a very negative effect on their health. In their behavior, the affected are apparently affected, because they show according to a recent study by the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich, a much greater risk-taking. However, those affected are not aware of this increased willingness to take risks.
Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk appetite. (Image: Edler von Rabenstein / fotolia.com) Many people do not sleep enough
According to the researchers, the natural sleep requirement of young adults is around nine hours a day on average and in older adults it is only around 7.5 hours a day. However, many people in Western societies would sleep much shorter. According to studies, around one third of the respondents from industrialized countries have a too short sleep time. However, if, for example, young adults sleep less than eight hours a night, increased attention deficits are the result, which could have serious negative consequences.
Rising risk tolerance in case of lack of sleep
The Zurich scientists have now, according to their own statements, "identified another critical consequence of chronic sleep deprivation." So, the risk of getting sleep increases with the sleep deficit. In their study, researchers examined the risk behavior of 14 healthy male students aged 18 to 28 years. "Twice a day they had to decide whether to get a smaller amount of money on safe or a larger amount of money with a certain probability," said the University of Zurich. The more risky their decision, the higher the possible profit sum was - but also the risk of going empty-handed.
The trials showed that students spent less than a week a week sleeping five hours a day in a more risky manner than their average sleep duration of about eight hours. Although a single night without sleep did not affect risk appetite, 11 out of 14 study participants were significantly more at risk during one week of reduced sleep duration, the researchers report.
Self-assessment of risk behavior unchanged
According to the researchers, it was also alarming that the students rated their risk behavior the same as under normal sleeping conditions. "So we do not even notice that we act riskier with lack of sleep," emphasizes Christian Baumann, Professor of Neurology at the University Hospital Zurich. For the first time, the current study also showed that a low level of sleep in the right prefrontal cortex is directly related to increased risk behavior. This area of the cerebral cortex was previously associated with risk behavior. "We assume that behavioral changes are to some extent anatomically-functional-based, because the right prefrontal cortex can not sufficiently recover from chronic sleep deprivation," says Baumann.
The authors of the study conclude that all people should strive for a sufficient amount of sleep and this should be especially true for leaders in politics and business, who have to make far-reaching decisions on a daily basis. (Fp)